§ Mr. Peter BradleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to extend the democratic accountability of quangos in England. [11002]
§ Dr. David ClarkAs part of its programme to clean up politics, the Government are determined that all unelected public bodies should be fully answerable for what they do. They should conduct their business so that they are both efficient, effective and economical in providing their expert advice and services to the public and to Government, and accessible, responsive and transparent to the public whom they ultimately serve. The White Papers on Scotland and Wales show that this democratic approach is central to the Government's plans for devolution. Our purpose is the same for public bodies which operate on a United Kingdom or Great Britain basis, those covering England alone and those serving England and Wales.
I propose in the autumn to issue a discussion paper considering how democratic oversight of those bodies might best be enhanced, not least through the full implementation of the recommendations of the Nolan committee. In the light of consultation, I shall bring forward proposals in the forthcoming White Paper on better Government.